Tax: Indirect Tax

Andrew Hitchmough KC is an indirect tax specialist who attracts attention for his vast expertise in the area. He has represented the taxpayer and HMRC in some of the most high-profile VAT cases of recent years. Hitchmough also has knowledge of the laws surrounding other indirect taxes such as gaming duty, and is noted for excelling in cases that involve banking and accounting law.

"An absolute legend. He is amazing."

"Andrew draws on his vast experience and thinks about his cases deeply. He's particularly good at evaluating appeal trajectories."

"A brilliant barrister, who knows an incredible amount. He's a fantastic individual to learn from."

David Milne KC is an excellent advocate whose indirect tax practice includes both complex advisory work and high-value litigation. He is frequently trusted with the most high-profile and substantial cases, and has represented clients before both the ECJ and the Supreme Court. He has impressive knowledge of the EU's VAT regulations.

"A fantastic barrister who is an eminence grise in this area."

Head of chambers Kevin Prosser KC advises high-profile individuals and companies on complex direct and indirect tax issues stemming from corporate transactions. He is praised for his breadth of knowledge across VAT, input tax and zero rating, among other areas. Prosser often conducts appellate advocacy in the highest UK and EU courts, and is noted for the highly effective advice he dispenses to corporations.

"One of the best advocates out there at the moment and a man who gives excellent technical advice."

"Kevin is extremely succinct - he never wastes a word."

Jeremy White is a specialist in customs duties and excise cases who is particularly experienced in the classification of goods. He has vast knowledge of trade barriers, appearing regularly in the ECJ in cases involving numerous international customs authorities. He regularly acts for well-known multinational clients.

"Jeremy is very effective and knows all about the technicalities of customs taxation. He has a really fantastic grasp of that area."

"A really strong advocate who is a true customs duty specialist."

Zizhen Yang is a junior with experience across indirect tax, who has particular strength in VAT and landfill tax cases. She frequently represents the taxpayer in a variety of high-profile cases.

"Zizhen is technically very strong and a pleasure to work with."

"She is very detailed in her approach and a specialist in areas that are quite unusual."

"Zizhen is excellent. She's very thorough, she's very thoughtful and she drafts well."

Barbara Belgrano regularly acts in a wide range of matters regarding indirect tax matters. She appears in cases right from the First-tier Tribunal all the way up to the ECJ. Belgrano has recently appeared on a range of gaming duty, VAT and SDLT cases.

"She has great client-handling skills and is someone who always inspires confidence."

"So conscientious, super diligent and a real team player. Clients love her."

"She is very much a details-focused person, who is always stress-testing what we are saying so that we are best positioned to put our optimum case forward."

"Barbara knows VAT inside and out, and has a genuine passion for the subject. She really thinks about the principles behind the legislation."

David Yates KC acts for both the taxpayer and HMRC on a broad range of indirect tax mandates including those relating to stamp duty and landfill tax. He is further adept at handling matters involving VAT and customs and excise duties.

"David is very intellectually robust. He forms his view and he adheres to it, putting it forward highly effectively both in conference and in court."

"David is someone you want on your side rather than against you."

James Henderson offers impressive indirect tax expertise within his overall broad tax practice. Although experienced in all areas of indirect tax, he is particularly well versed in complex VAT matters. Henderson has experience of acting for clients at all levels domestically, including the Supreme Court, and has also appeared before the CJEU.

"James is brilliant on the detail and preparation. You send as much work his way as you can, because he's such good value - you're getting a silk type service for a junior's rates."

"Clients are impressed by James and confident in the opinions he provides."

Laura Poots is a junior with wide experience of advising the taxpayer and the Revenue in indirect tax cases. She is particularly noted for her expertise in VAT, and has handled a number of cases involving the exemption for special investment funds.

"She works extremely hard and is very well informed about VAT."

"She's exceptionally personable and a brilliant technician."

Rupert Baldry KC has a broad range of expertise in indirect tax matters, including those relating to VAT, stamp duty, customs and excise duties, and the aggregates levy. He undertakes advisory and litigation work both for the Revenue and for the taxpayer.

"Rupert is very easy to deal with and very commercial in his approach - he does deals to suit his clients' needs."

"He is accessible, always available and clear in setting out what his requirements are."

James Rivett KC has a growing indirect tax practice with a particular expertise in VAT, and often appears before the Upper Tribunal. He acts for the taxpayer in leading cases and is often called upon to advise on extremely complex matters.

"James is an excellent written advocate, who is bright and lively in all his dealings."

Michael Thomas KC has a broad tax practice that takes in business tax, VAT and private client work. Specialising in representing the taxpayer, he is noted for his particular expertise in property tax.

"Michael applies his knowledge of complex tax legislation to commercial transactions well, and always explains his views in a client-friendly manner."

Sadiya Choudhury KC has a broad practice representing clients in complex indirect tax cases, often concerning VAT, customs and excise duties among others. She both acts for corporate clients and appears on behalf of the Revenue.

"Sadiya has impressive technical expertise and makes herself available where required at short notice."

"Sadiya is very generous with her time and works extremely hard."

"He gives very clear and highly practical advice,however complex the case."